In the city’s 2014 budget discussion, a property tax hike is proposed. Mayor Sam Katz defends the increase, saying taxpayers want better roads and will pay more to have them. This begs the question: what are we paying for now?

Julian Kirchmann is one of seven Artbeat Studio alumni participating in the 24-Hour Art-a-thon, an event to raise money for Artbeat Studio, an organization that supports artists living with mental illness.

This could be considered a new year’s resolution. Or, some advice from the front lines of the ‘people helping people’ industry. Or, perhaps it’s a wake up call reminding us to be mindful of who we choose as our friends.